Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Police have announced the provisional appointment of three new assistant commissioners, who will start in their new roles in February.
They are Superintendent Jeanette Park (Eastern District Commander), Superintendent Corrie Parnell (Wellington District Commander) and Superintendent Tim Anderson (Bay of Plenty District Commander).
The new appointments follow Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett's elevation to one of the new statutory deputy commissioners of police roles, announced on Wednesday.
"The appointments of new deputy and assistant commissioners will ensure that from early 2026 we will have a refreshed leadership team and be well-placed to deliver on our core priorities," Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said on Thursday.
"Jeanette, Tim and Corrie all have significant operational experience and a strong understanding of the front-line, as well as the communities police serve in. They will bring different perspectives and experience to the wider team."
Both deputy commissioner roles were vacant following the resignation of Tania Kura in July after 37 years of service, and the May departure of Jevon McSkimming, later convicted of possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
"I expect to appoint a second, non-statutory, deputy commissioner early in 2026," Chambers said.
New appointees
Park has overseen the Eastern District since 2020, including major operations including Operation Kotare to disrupt organised crime and gang harm and the local police response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
"Under her leadership, Eastern District has improved public trust and confidence through crime prevention measures and addressing gang tensions and the disruption gangs cause to communities," Chambers said.
"She has a proven track record in engaging with different communities and a strong focus on the safety and training of frontline staff."
She joined the force in 1991, and was later awarded the Bravery Star for her actions in a 2002 incident in which Detective Constable Duncan Taylor was shot and killed, and she was shot and seriously wounded.
Corrie Parnell. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Parnell became Wellington District Commander in 2019. He joined the force in 1993 and has led multi-agency responses, including the 2022 Parliament protests and the 2024 Hīkoi mō e Tiriti, "facing high levels of public and political scrutiny".
He was also one of the police responsible for the initial response to the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019.
Anderson became Bay of Plenty District Commander in 2022, 28 years after joining police in 1994..
He has had a focus on serious crime investigations, including adult sexual assault and child protection matters.
In 2019 he was lead senior investigating officer during the investigation into the Christchurch terror attacks, and later led the NZ Police team response to the royal commission of inquiry into the attacks.
He also led the NZ Police Team as lead security adviser to the Chef de Mission and NZ Olympic Committee for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
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